At least 13 children have been killed in an outbreak of suspected measles in internal displacement camps located in White Nile state, according to international medical NGO Médecins Sans, as fighting escalated between the Sudanese army and its rival paramilitary forces. Death has happened. Frontier (MSF).
In a series of tweets, the Sudanese branch of MSF highlighted that suspected measles and poor nutrition are the main health problems children face in the camps and the situation has already become dire.
According to MSF Sudan, 223 children have been treated for suspected measles between 6 and 27 June, and 72 children have been admitted to two clinics it supports, including 13 who have died. “MSF has set up two treatment centres, added new beds and staff. Every day, we are receiving sick children with suspected measles, most of whom are developing complications,” the NGO tweeted.
It further added that a total of 3,145 patients were admitted to the clinics in the month of June, besides stressing the need to increase aid and expand services such as immunization, food assistance, shelter, water and sanitation.
“As the rainy season approaches, we are concerned about an increase in waterborne and malaria endemic diseases in the region,” MSF Sudan tweeted.
Thousands of people have been fleeing the conflict since fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Force (RSF) began on 15 April. The Sudanese Ministry of Health has reported that 3,000 people have been killed and 2.5 million displaced in the conflict.
Last week, the United Nations said that one million refugees are at risk of being forced out of the country due to increasing violence in Sudan, especially in the capital Khartoum.
However, both armies announced a temporary ceasefire to mark the start of the Muslim festival of Eid al-Adha. A total of nine ceasefires have failed since the fighting began in April.
Meanwhile, India called off Operation Kaveri on May 5 and rescued 3,862 people from conflict-torn Sudan.
(with agency inputs)
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